Kristin Tucker believes her industry is equal parts science and art. “No two software developers are alike,” she says. At TDK, a company she helped found in 2001, Tucker strives to stay nimble so she can adjust to the ever-changing economic landscape. Tucker has a bachelor’s degree in applied computer science from Illinois State University and a master’s degree in legal studies from Washington University. She loves to travel and spend time with her seven grandchildren.
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS & OPPORTUNITIES
What has been your or your company’s most significant success over the last 12 months? TDK Technologies has done a tremendous job of staying nimble and adjusting to the ever-changing economic landscape. We have continued to provide exceptional services to our clients and responded to their needs.
What has you most excited about the future of your company or industry? The technology industry never slows down; there is always something new to assess and focus on. I’m excited for TDK to continue to stay on top of new developments in technology and provide that knowledge to our clients.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why? I would love to see clients appreciate the uniqueness that comes from each technology professional. Our industry is part science, part art – no two software developers are alike.
What’s the toughest business challenge you’ve had to overcome (excluding the pandemic) and why? The loss of our original Managing Principal (who was also my husband) has to be the toughest challenge we’ve faced. TDK Technologies was three years old, still finding our way in the post-9/11 economy, when he passed away. Our ability to find our path forward after that loss set the stage for the organization TDK has become.
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MENTORS & PEERS
To whom or where do you go for sound business advice? I belong to peer groups through Chief and Vistage. I’ve fortunate to have forged strong relationships in both groups that I rely on.
Do you have a business mentor? If so, who and why? I don’t currently have a mentor. I’ve had a couple throughout my career who helped me find my path.
What piece of advice has had the most significant impact on your career? Continue to surround yourself with smart people and help them shine.
If you could have dinner with any two area business leaders, who would you choose and why? I would love to have dinner with Andy Taylor and Maxine Clark. Both have built amazing organizations and have had lasting impact on the St. Louis community – I could learn so much from both.
Who is the most interesting under-the-radar/emerging business leader in St. Louis and why? Jennifer Bardot (G.R.I.T.) is doing so much to build community among business women in the region.
What is one thing you would change about the St. Louis metro area business environment and why? I would love to see the St. Louis metro business community pull together to promote doing business in St. Louis. Greater St. Louis, Inc has made great strides in this area, but there is still much work to be done.
BACKGROUND
Where were you born? Alton, Illinois
What was your childhood aspiration? To become a professional musician
What was your first job, and what did you learn from it? I gave private music lessons to grade school/middle school students. I learned that teaching was not for me!
What educational degrees do you hold, and where were they earned? Master’s of Legal Studies, Washington University;BS in Applied Computer Science, Illinois State University
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
If you were not in your current profession, what would you be doing and why? Home remodel work. I love the satisfaction of completing a project and seeing the fruits of my efforts
What is your favorite St. Louis-area restaurant, and what do you typically order there? Anthonino’s Taverna on the Hill – can’t go wrong with their toasted ravioli, and their fresh clam pasta is definitely a favorite
What is one item you recently crossed off your bucket list? Not really my accomplishment, but my youngest just graduated from Ole Miss and is working at Washington University – huge satisfaction to having all of my kids through college!
What is one book you think everyone should read (or podcast everyone should listen to) and why? Great Game of Business by Jack Stack. It defines an amazing approach to open-book management and financial literacy for all team members that was life-changing for TDK
What’s your hobby/passion? Traveling and watching anything my grandkids are up to!
What is your most prized possession? My kids mean more to me than anything – we’ve been through the wars together and I couldn’t be prouder of them!
What would people be surprised to learn about you—a fun fact? I have seven grandkids, ranging in age from 14 to 3 1/2
What is your go-to karaoke song? “You Never Even Called Me By My Name” by David Allan Coe
